Who owns a website built for free?
THE SHORT ANSWER
The Free Website Team’s accepted applicants own their finished websites. Domain and hosting accounts should be registered under the business’s control, and launch assistance includes a handoff. Third-party tools and images keep their own licenses. For any other free-website offer, confirm ownership and transfer terms directly with that provider.
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Ownership includes practical control.
- Domain registration
- A renewable right to use a web address through a registrar. Keep the registration account and renewal contact under your business’s control.
Owning the finished site is only useful if you can access the accounts that keep it online. Your business should know where the domain is registered, where the site is hosted, and how to manage the finished files or content. Never share account passwords through an application form.[process]
For example, an electrician can control the domain registration while giving a developer limited access to help launch the site. After handoff, the business keeps its own account recovery details and decides who can make changes.
Use a simple handoff process.
Confirm the accounts
Identify the domain registrar and hosting provider, account owner, and recovery email.
Check the handoff
Confirm access to the finished site and any instructions needed to manage it.
Record renewals and licenses
Keep renewal dates and any third-party asset or service terms with your business records.
Business-owner checklist
- I control the domain account and recovery details.
- I can access hosting and billing.
- I have the agreed website handoff.
- I know which tools or assets have separate licenses.
- I understand who will handle future changes.
Related questions, answered.
Does ownership make hosting free?
No. Domain and hosting costs, including renewals, remain the business’s responsibility.
Can another developer help after launch?
Yes. You can manage the website yourself or work with another provider. Check any third-party platform or asset terms when moving a site.
Sources & citations
- The Free Website Team: what’s included
The Free Website Team · Checked
Primary source for the offer’s page limit, revision allowance, inclusions, and exclusions.
- The Free Website Team: how it works
The Free Website Team · Checked
Primary source for selection, content preparation, ownership, and launch steps.